Are Gospel Musicians Icons of Sainthood They Exude On Stage?

Gospel music can loosely be defined as any music type which contains Christian beliefs and values regardless of the form used to deliver it. 

Over the years, singers have become synonymous with the type of genre they croon and in the same vein, gospel musicians have technically been viewed as general icons of the sainthood they exude on stage.

The dawn of social media has of late brought their private lifestyle off the microphone to public spaces, leaving fans to compare their traits henceforth.

A number of local gospel artists have failed to maintain the tag as they have courted controversies, making headlines for all the wrong reasons owing to scandalous conduct which opposes what they preach in their lyrics.

Are Gospel Musicians Icons of Sainthood They Exude On Stage?

Although there are no set principles or bounds for musicians, gospel singers seem restricted to follow Christian norms or face vitriol.

Last week former Zimpraise band member Joel Chiweda came out guns blazing accusing the acclaimed choir's leadership of sleazy conduct in a post which attracted mixed reactions.

Using his Facebook page, Chiweda aimed his scathing criticism at Joseph Madziyire, whom he accused of promiscuity and being "celebrated for the success of exploiting the youths".

"I was part of an organisation, a gospel group known as Zimpraise, which was spiritually and morally corrupt where our leader would squander money on girls and expensive clothes, apartments etc," wrote Chiweda.

The choir leadership has chosen to remain mum on the issue, hoping that the dust will settle quickly, but the issue itself is ostensibly a microcosm of what some defiant musicians have exhibited.

Last year Mathias Mhere supposedly lost his wife to colleague Gift Mahlupheka in an issue, which emerged from leaked social media chats.

The issue also opened a can of worms on Mhere's apparent love affairs with other women, which to date have not been confirmed or denied.

Gospel prodigy Kudzi Nyakudya of the Ndamuwona Jesu fame was also accused of molesting a minor in South Africa late last year and no one got to the bottom of the matter, which was also dismissed as a social media hoax.

Trymore Bande also joined the bandwagon having been accused of instructing his lover to abort a pregnancy. Although he denied the allegations, leaked WhatsApp chats suggested otherwise.

Despite the artists being human as well, gospel fans seem to be of the view that they should lead saint-like lives, hence the accusations are received with dismay and a great sense of betrayal.

Upcoming gospel musician Pastor Daisy Chiguvare Mukariri recently told The Standard Style the lyrics and one's conduct should be in sync if they truly believe in what they sing about.

"People have become so famous through prophesying, but in heaven their names may not be there. Some sing gospel music, but they do not live Christian lives and they should correct that so that they can see the kingdom of heaven," she said.